Smart Key Box Automated Retrieval Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Property agents face inefficiencies and potential client loss due to the need to physically manage key handovers and retrievals across multiple properties, especially when multiple clients schedule appointments simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A smart key box system comprising a key holding element, power assembly, sensing units, authentication module, and control module that allows clients to retrieve and return keys independently, eliminating the need for agents to be present, using mechanisms like power wheels and sensing elements for automated key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If agents manually manage key handovers for multiple clients, then key security is maintained, but agent workload increases and management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The key box enables clients to independently retrieve and return keys through automated authentication and mechanical delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for agent intervention in key handovers. The system performs self-service operations including authentication verification, key dispensing, and key retraction automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical key handover with an automated system combining electronic authentication modules and mechanical power assemblies. The power wheel mechanism automates the physical delivery and retraction of keys, substituting human labor with automated mechanical operations.
2Reliability
If agents are required to be present for key handovers, then key security is ensured, but agent availability decreases when multiple appointments are scheduled
Solution Approach 1:
The key box serves as an intermediary device between the authentication system and key storage. It automatically verifies client credentials through the authentication module and mechanically delivers keys through the power assembly, eliminating the need for direct agent-client interaction while maintaining security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication verification before key release. The authentication module pre- verifies client credentials and authorization status, and the control module pre-positions the key holding element, ensuring secure key delivery without requiring agent presence at the moment of handover.
3Productivity
If multiple clients are served simultaneously, then client service capacity increases, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key box system segments the key management process into independent functional modules: authentication module for verification, control module for logic processing, power assembly for mechanical delivery, and sensing units for position detection. This modular segmentation allows simultaneous service of multiple clients through parallel operation of independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing units provide real-time feedback on key holding element position to the control module. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically track and manage multiple key transactions simultaneously, detecting when keys are retrieved and returned without requiring complex manual tracking procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances management efficiency by enabling secure, automated key access and retrieval processes, reducing agent workload and improving client satisfaction through streamlined key handling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the key holding element is configured to trigger at least one of the sensing units
Implementation Method 2
the sensing units include a mechanical sensing element, an optical sensing element, a capacitive sensing element, an inductive sensing element, an electromagnetic sensing element
Implementation Method 3
The power assembly is disposed in the housing and can drive the key holding element to leave the housing or enter the housing along an access direction
Data Source
AI summary
A smart key box includes a key holding element, a housing, a power assembly, sensing units, an authentication module, and a control module. The housing is configured to contain the key holding element. The power assembly is disposed in the housing and configured to drive the key holding element to leave the housing or enter the housing along an access direction. The sensing units are disposed in the housing. When the key holding element leaves the housing or enters the housing, the key holding element is configured to trigger at least one of the sensing units. The authentication module is disposed at the housing. The control module is disposed in the housing and electrically connected with the power assembly, the sensing units, and the authentication module, and is configured to control the power assembly according to the at least one of the sensing units which is triggered.